NFL – Winnipeg Free Press

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) throws under pressure from Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Tarheeb Still (29) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

Daniel Jones leads Colts to record-breaking offensive start, Raiders struggle in historic loss

Josh Dubow, The Associated Press 6 minute read 5:00 AM CDT

Daniel Jones and the Indianapolis Colts are putting up numbers to rival offenses led by some of the best quarterbacks to play the game including Tom Brady, Peyton Manning and Kurt Warner.

Geno Smith and the Las Vegas Raiders are going in the opposite direction, putting up a performance last week so futile that it drew comparisons to an expansion team.

In a season that has been filled with surprises, the divergent performances from the Colts and Raiders have been rather unexpected.

The Colts had been mostly a middle-of-the-pack offense for the decade-plus since Manning starred in Indianapolis and the addition of Jones as a free agent wasn't expected to change that.

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Former starting WR Ray-Ray McCloud’s fall from grace is complete following release by Falcons

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Former starting WR Ray-Ray McCloud’s fall from grace is complete following release by Falcons

The Associated Press 2 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 7:16 PM CDT

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons released wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud on Tuesday after the veteran opened the season as a starter but was inactive the last two games despite being healthy.

McCloud, 29, set a career high with 62 catches for 686 yards in 2024, his first season in Atlanta. After opening the season with Drake London and Darnell Mooney as the Falcons' top three receivers, McCloud had only six catches for 64 yards through four games and then was a healthy scratch against Buffalo and San Francisco.

Coach Raheem Morris gave no details on McCloud's fall from grace, saying only it was a coach's decision. On Friday, Morris announced McCloud would miss Sunday night's 20-10 loss at San Francisco. McCloud did not accompany the team to San Francisco but instead was sent home for what the coach described as a personal matter.

“Working through some things right now that are private with my young man, and we’ll figure those things out as we go," Morris said on Friday.

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Updated: Yesterday at 7:16 PM CDT

Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris speaks after an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Kelley L Cox)

From Fred Dean to Christian McCaffrey: How midseason trades reshaped NFL history

Josh Dubow, The Associated Press 6 minute read Preview

From Fred Dean to Christian McCaffrey: How midseason trades reshaped NFL history

Josh Dubow, The Associated Press 6 minute read 5:00 AM CDT

The in-season trade market in the NFL traditionally was a bit more tepid than other sports because the difficulty of inserting a player into a brand new scheme on the fly made deals much less appealing for contenders.

That has changed in recent years with a newer generation of general managers more willing to take chances and a later trade deadline leading to more teams willing to plan more for the future than a late-season run.

The past three seasons have seen 50 trades between Oct. 1 and the deadline compared to just 16 from 2015-17, according to Spotrac. There have been some big-name players that were swapped like Christian McCaffrey, Leonard Williams, Montez Sweat, T.J. Hockenson, Roquan Smith and Bradley Chubb.

Even lower profile players have made a big impact in the postseason with midseason acquisition Mecole Hardman catching the game-winning touchdown in overtime for Kansas City in the 2023 season just months after the Chiefs acquired him from the New York Jets.

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5:00 AM CDT

San Francisco 49ers' Christian McCaffrey celebrates a second-quarter touchdown run against the Atlanta Falcons during an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025. (Scott Strazzantez/San Francisco Chronicle via AP)

Ernest Jones IV surging, bringing stability to Seahawks’ stout defense

Andrew Destin, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Ernest Jones IV surging, bringing stability to Seahawks’ stout defense

Andrew Destin, The Associated Press 4 minute read Yesterday at 8:15 PM CDT

SEATTLE (AP) — Those unfamiliar with the multifaceted game Ernest Jones IV brings to the table may have been surprised when the Seattle Seahawks linebacker dropped deep into coverage during Monday night’s 27-19 win over the Houston Texans.

Jones picked off quarterback C.J. Stroud on the Texans’ first drive of the third quarter, dropping into coverage and sliding in front of a pass intended for Houston’s leading receiver, Nico Collins.

“I’m usually there,” Jones said. “Usually when deeper routes develop, I’m holding down the middle of the field. This one here caught me off guard a little bit. I didn’t see it until the last moment; just glad I was able to come down with it.”

Seven games into the 2025 season, Jones has a new career high with three interceptions. He is the leading tackler for a Seahawks defense that entered its latest game ranked second in rush defense and sixth in scoring defense.

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Yesterday at 8:15 PM CDT

Seattle Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV (13) hits Houston Texans' C.J. Stroud (7) as he throws an incomplete pass in the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)

Raiders’ No. 1 receiver Meyers stands firm on offseason trade request as team heads into bye week

W.g. Ramirez, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Raiders’ No. 1 receiver Meyers stands firm on offseason trade request as team heads into bye week

W.g. Ramirez, The Associated Press 4 minute read Yesterday at 6:32 PM CDT

HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — Las Vegas Raiders receiver Jakobi Meyers’ stance hasn’t changed since training camp. He wants to be traded.

That said, as long as Meyers is still wearing silver and black, he’ll remain professional and dedicated toward his job as quarterback Geno Smith’s No.1 target.

“I’m just trying to play good football,” Meyers said Tuesday after practice. “If I’m here, I’ll play good football. If I’m not here, I go out there and play wherever I’m supposed to be.

“I’m trying to get healthy and play good football. That’s really all it is.”

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Yesterday at 6:32 PM CDT

Indianapolis Colts' Chris Lammons (38) breaks up a pass intended for Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)

Dan Campbell thrilled by makeshift secondary after beating Tampa Bay 24-9

Dave Hogg, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Dan Campbell thrilled by makeshift secondary after beating Tampa Bay 24-9

Dave Hogg, The Associated Press 5 minute read Yesterday at 6:10 PM CDT

DETROIT (AP) — Dan Campbell knew it was going to be a challenge for his banged-up defensive backs to stop Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bayt Buccaneers.

As it turned out, the biggest difficulty Campbell faced was getting enough game balls to hand out after Detroit's 24-9 win.

The Lions, missing all four starters from their secondary, held Mayfield to 228 yards on 50 attempts, allowing one touchdown and intercepting one pass.

“That was just an outstanding performance by those guys,” Campbell said on Tuesday. “I mean, every one of those guys got a game ball. Top to bottom, across the whole roster, those guys were aggressive and went after the football.”

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Yesterday at 6:10 PM CDT

Detroit Lions cornerback Nick Whiteside (38) breaks up a pass intended for Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (1) during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, in Detroit. AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

Giants release kicker Jude McAtamney, who missed 2 extra points in their loss at Devner

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Giants release kicker Jude McAtamney, who missed 2 extra points in their loss at Devner

The Associated Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 5:07 PM CDT

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — The New York Giants cut kicker Jude McAtamney on Tuesday in the aftermath of him missing two extra points in their stunning 33-32 loss at Denver.

McAtamney was waived as one of a series of roster moves that also included the team bringing back rookie cornerback Korie Black. Parting ways with McAtamney paves the way for Younghoe Koo, who has been on the practice squad, to make his Giants debut on Sunday at reigning champion Philadelphia if regular starter Graham Gano is not ready to return.

Asked Monday what his plan was at kicker, coach Brian Daboll said only the staff would see how the week goes. It's unclear when Gano might be able to return from a groin injury or even if the Giants would go back to him if healthy.

Black returns after playing two games for the Jets. A seventh-round pick out of Oklahoma State, he made the Giants' initial 53-man roster but was cut not long after as they tried to balance things and hoped to retain him on the practice squad.

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Yesterday at 5:07 PM CDT

FILE- New York Giants kicker Jude McAtamney (99) reacts during warm ups before an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

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Giants QB Russell Wilson calls Broncos coach Sean Payton ‘classless’ for a postgame swipe at him

Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Giants QB Russell Wilson calls Broncos coach Sean Payton ‘classless’ for a postgame swipe at him

Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press 3 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 5:02 PM CDT

NEW YORK (AP) — Russell Wilson fired back at Sean Payton on social media Tuesday, a little under 48 hours since the Denver Broncos' coach took a swipe at the New York Giants' backup quarterback who lost his starting job to rookie Jaxson Dart following an 0-3 start.

“Classless… but not surprised….” Wilson said on X, formerly Twitter. “Didn’t realize you’re still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the media.”

Wilson took his own jab at Payton, for whom he played one ill-fated season in 2023, by referencing the “Bounty Gate” scandal from 2009-11 with the New Orleans Saints. The NFL in 2012 found the team was rewarding players for hits on opponents with intent to injure, and Payton was suspended for a year.

Payton said after Denver's historic 33-32 comeback win on Sunday that the Giants “found a little spark with” Dart, who became the starter, and hinted that part of a conversation he had with New York owner John Mara included wanting to face Wilson instead.

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Updated: Yesterday at 5:02 PM CDT

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton gestures during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants in Denver, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

NFL sees a surge in returns with the new dynamic kickoff. Onside kicks remain a concern

Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press 7 minute read Preview

NFL sees a surge in returns with the new dynamic kickoff. Onside kicks remain a concern

Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press 7 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 4:37 PM CDT

NEW YORK (AP) — The NFL is pleased by an increase in returns as a result of adjustments to the so-called dynamic kickoff, with more plays and fewer injuries, though a change could eventually be coming to onside kicks.

There have been 877 kick returns so far this season, a rate of 79.3% that is up significantly from the 31.7% through the first seven weeks of last season. It's the highest return rate at this point since 2006, with the second-most yards through Week 7 in history, according to league officials.

Owners voted in April to make the kickoff format permanent after experimenting with it in 2024, while moving touchbacks on kicks that reach the end zone on the fly from the 30 to the 35 in the hopes of leading to more kicks in play and more returns.

"I’m just happy that the foot is still in the game," Troy Vincent, executive VP of football operations and a retired defensive back, said Tuesday at the NFL's annual fall owners meeting. “We’ve brought the foot and preserved the foot in the game. We still got some work to do in some other areas like the onside kick, so we talked about that.”

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Updated: Yesterday at 4:37 PM CDT

Indianapolis Colts running back Ameer Abdullah (26) celebrates a kickoff return with linebacker Buddy Johnson (59) against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

Vikings will start Wentz at QB on short rest in LA, with McCarthy lacking time to keep up progress

Dave Campbell, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Vikings will start Wentz at QB on short rest in LA, with McCarthy lacking time to keep up progress

Dave Campbell, The Associated Press 4 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 4:13 PM CDT

EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — Carson Wentz will make his fifth straight start at quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, with J.J. McCarthy lacking time in a shortened week to keep building up his sprained right ankle.

Coach Kevin O'Connell announced his decision on Tuesday, ahead of the team's road trip to play the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday night that's coming on the heels of a 28-22 loss at home on Sunday to the Philadelphia Eagles.

After McCarthy went through a workout on the field, the Vikings determined his ankle wasn't quite strong enough yet to give him or them the best chance to succeed against the Chargers.

“J.J., the medical staff, and myself were all kind of encouraged by where he’s at and the progress he’s making, but he’s just not there,” O"Connell said. “If this was a Sunday game, maybe it would be a little bit different story and we could push it throughout the week to see where he’s at.”

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Updated: Yesterday at 4:13 PM CDT

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz (11) prepares to throw a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Ellen Schmidt)

The NFL could see another worst to first turnaround this season

Rob Maaddi, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

The NFL could see another worst to first turnaround this season

Rob Maaddi, The Associated Press 4 minute read Yesterday at 3:02 PM CDT

The NFL can see another worst to first turnaround this season.

Through seven weeks, two teams that finished last in 2024 are leading their division. Overall, seven teams that missed the playoffs last season have at least four wins.

The New England Patriots are leading the AFC East at 5-2, including a big win at Buffalo, a year after going 4-13 under Jerod Mayo. Mike Vrabel has brought a winning culture to New England and Drake Maye has developed into an elite quarterback in just his second season.

The San Francisco 49ers are leading the NFC West at 5-2, including a road win over the Los Angeles Rams. They were 6-11 last season.

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Yesterday at 3:02 PM CDT

New England Patriots safety Brenden Schooler (41) celebrates following an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Rough game against the Lions brings the Buccaneers back to the pack

Rob Maaddi, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Rough game against the Lions brings the Buccaneers back to the pack

Rob Maaddi, The Associated Press 4 minute read Yesterday at 2:56 PM CDT

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Hold up on that MVP talk. Slow down on giving the Tampa Bay Buccaneers the No. 1 seed.

Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers crashed in Detroit against a depleted defense missing its entire starting secondary. The Bucs (5-2) were outplayed from start to finish in a 24-9 loss on Monday night.

Even worse, they lost star wide receiver Mike Evans for most of the rest of the season because of a broken collarbone.

“When you lose somebody like that, it’s always going to affect your offense and you’re going to have to change and do different things,” coach Todd Bowles said Tuesday.

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Yesterday at 2:56 PM CDT

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) walks off the field after making a fumble during the second half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, in Detroit. AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Steelers lose special teams ace Miles Killebrew to season-ending knee injury

The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Steelers lose special teams ace Miles Killebrew to season-ending knee injury

The Associated Press 3 minute read Yesterday at 2:10 PM CDT

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Miles Killebrew's season is over.

Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that Killebrew is done for the year after undergoing knee surgery.

Killebrew, a two-time Pro Bowler as a special teamer and a 2023 All-Pro, injured his knee in a victory over Cleveland earlier this month at Acrisure Stadium on what some of his teammates described as an unplayable field.

The 10-year veteran and longtime special teams captain who occasionally moonlighted at safety had five tackles this season.

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Yesterday at 2:10 PM CDT

Pittsburgh Steelers safety Miles Killebrew (28) is helped off the field after an injury in the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Jets owner Woody Johnson blames 0-7 start on QB play and defends coach Aaron Glenn

Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Jets owner Woody Johnson blames 0-7 start on QB play and defends coach Aaron Glenn

Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press 3 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 4:22 PM CDT

NEW YORK (AP) — New York Jets owner Woody Johnson blamed quarterback play for his team's 0-7 start and repeatedly affirmed his faith in Aaron Glenn on Tuesday in his first public comments since the offseason.

Arriving for the NFL's annual fall owners meeting, Johnson defended Glenn, praised the first-year coach's handling of the defense and deferred to the staff on who should start at football's most important position moving forward. Justin Fields started six games, missing one with injury, and was benched in favor of backup Tyrod Taylor in the second half Sunday against Carolina.

“The defense is pretty good. If we can just complete a pass, it would look good,” Johnson said. "We’ve got to complete some passes. You’ve got to convince them that you can do something. Otherwise it’s hard to have a game that you can win.”

The Jets are last in the league in passing offense and are the only team without a win.

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Updated: Yesterday at 4:22 PM CDT

New York Jets owner Woody Johnson talks to reporters before attending an NFL owners meeting in New York, Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Texans’ defense shines but offense falters in 27-19 loss to Seahawks

Kristie Rieken, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Texans’ defense shines but offense falters in 27-19 loss to Seahawks

Kristie Rieken, The Associated Press 5 minute read Yesterday at 12:19 PM CDT

HOUSTON (AP) — Houston’s defense did a lot of good things Monday night against the Seattle Seahawks.

The same could not be said of the offense.

The Texans forced four turnovers and scored a defensive touchdown, but the offense squandered opportunity after opportunity in the 27-19 loss that snapped a two-game winning streak and dropped them to 2-4.

“Offensively was not good enough,” coach DeMeco Ryans said. “Didn’t move the ball good enough. We’ve got to execute better.”

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Yesterday at 12:19 PM CDT

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, top, is sacked by Seattle Seahawks safety Ty Okada (39) in the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Former NFL player who died in police custody battled injuries and mental health challenges

John Seewer And Mark Long, The Associated Press 6 minute read Preview

Former NFL player who died in police custody battled injuries and mental health challenges

John Seewer And Mark Long, The Associated Press 6 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 4:32 PM CDT

Doug Martin arrived on the campus of Boise State University nearly two decades ago to play football on its famed blue turf and, despite being a squat, little-known recruit from Northern California, turned himself into a hard-nosed running back and a first-round NFL draft pick.

Nicknamed the “Muscle Hamster” for both his size and running style, he was twice named to the Pro Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a seven-year NFL career that saw him rewarded with a big contract in 2016. But his bruising ways on the field also caused him to miss extensive playing time with a variety of injuries and contributed to his retirement.

His life ended tragically over the weekend in Oakland, the Bay Area city where he was born and finished his career with the Raiders seven years ago.

Martin, 36, died after what police described as a “brief struggle” with officers who arrested him early Saturday while investigating a break-in at a home. He became unresponsive and was pronounced dead at a hospital, Oakland police said. A cause of death has not been released.

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Updated: Yesterday at 4:32 PM CDT

October 22, 2025

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